Premier League preview: Fulham v Manchester United

Manchester United head to Craven Cottage to face Fulham for the first of three games against Premier League strugglers.

It is hard to believe given what many feel has been a turbulent start to the campaign, but United momentarily went top with their 2-0 win at QPR on Sunday, before Manchester City overcame Arsenal.

After Fulham, Wigan and Blackburn await the Red Devils in what can be described as a favourable run in to the new year.

On the back of two straight wins following their shock exit from the Champions League, manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes their title defence is well and truly back on track.

“The important thing is to be there on New Year’s Day,” Ferguson said.

“If you’re involved right at the top part, then you know (what to do in) the second half of the season – we’ll relish that.”

Strikes from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick as well as a dynamic display from Phil Jones in the heart of midfield set United on their way against QPR.

Jones will likely start again in the extended absence of Darren Fletcher and the still injured Anderson. His and Carrick’s ability to maintain their form will play a key role in United’s fortunes for the rest of the season.

Ferguson said Rafael da Silva was back in training while the Red Devils are fortunate to have both Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov back in contention after the pair sat on the bench at QPR.

Opponents Fulham, currently 11th in the table, will need to produce their best if they are to trouble United with points likely to come at a premium in the next few weeks as they face tough fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal.

The club will be buoyed by the announcement of record profits during the week which will be music to the ears of boss Martin Jol who is said to have renewed his interest in Marseille’s seven-million-pound-rated target man Andre-Pierre Gignac ahead of the January transfer window.

Fulham won 2-0 at home to Bolton on Saturday and will look to build on that success against United but will be without the injured Bobby Zamora, Simon Davies and first-choice keeper Mark Schwarzer.